The 22 Best Campsites in the U.S.

• Why We Recommend It: unique, scenic, quiet
• Amenities: storage lockers, tables, chemical toilets
• Reservations: yes, from mid-June
• Attractions: boating, hiking, fishing, swimming
• Dates: Memorial Day through mid-September

Emerald Bay State Park features two campgrounds, one for drive-in visitors called Eagle Point Campground and the other for those boating in. It’s worth getting your hands on a boat for the access to and views of the latter, which opens each year on Memorial Day weekend. The area, located in Tahoe, California, is notable as Emerald Bay is technically an underwater state park thanks to all the boats and artifacts that have sunk in its depths. It’s also insanely beautiful and very popular, so you’ll want to reserve your campsite ahead of time online. Those without a boat can hike in, about one mile, although it is a bit steep.

• Why We Recommend It: Comfortable, well-equipped, private
• Amenities: breakfast, showers, flushing toilets, water refill station
• Reservations: yes
• Attractions: yoga, foraging, hiking, winery tours, biking
• Dates: early May through late October

Experience nature from the comfort of a luxury platform tent at Firelight Camps, located in the woods just outside Ithaca, New York. A stay includes breakfast, access to a bathhouse with hot showers and flushing toilets, and communal areas with fire pits and games. It’s definitely glamping, but you can head into Buttermilk Falls State Park to hike in the great outdoors or explore the Finger Lakes region, where there’s biking and boating. This campground is ideal for those who want quick access to amenities like restaurants, bars and wineries, but still want to find some quiet amongst the trees. Some of the tents come with electric heaters, which you should consider when booking in the spring or fall.

• Why We Recommend It: remote, scenic, relaxing
• Amenities: toilets, water refill station, storage lockers
• Reservations: yes, available six months in advance
• Attractions: hiking, fishing, boating, mountain biking
• Dates: year-round

High in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains you’ll find Moraine Park Campground, a peaceful spot with great views of the surrounding Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s tent-only, so no RVs, and you can reserve sites up to six months in advance online for the summer months. There’s potable water, flush toilets (only vault toilets are open in the winter) and ice and firewood for sale (but no cell service or Wi-Fi). The location gives guests access to all of Rocky Mountain National Park, a forested area filled with wildlife, hiking, rafting and fishing. Summer and fall are the best times to visit, although you should always come prepared with rain gear and warm clothes when camping in Colorado.

• Why We Recommend It: well-located, comfortable, whimsical
• Amenities: RV hook-ups, picnic tables, laundry, showers, toilets
• Reservations: yes
• Attractions: fishing, hiking, rafting
• Dates: May through early October

Fishing fans should book an RV site, a sheep wagon or a teepee at Cody Wyoming Trout Ranch, situated alongside the Shoshone River in Wyoming. Open from April through September, the campground welcomes visitors of all ages and provides a stocked fishing pond as well as river fishing. Even if you’re less inclined to grab a fishing pole, the teepees, with views of the river, are a great way to get outdoors in style. There are showers, laundry, picnic tables, a playground, coffee lounge and community fire pits on-site, and Yellowstone National Park is less than an hour away by car. Be sure to book in advance online, especially if heading to Wyoming during a holiday weekend.

• Why We Recommend It: scenic, relaxing, accessible
• Amenities: vault toilets, grills, water station
• Reservations: yes, on a 30-day rolling basis
• Attractions: walking and hiking, junior ranger program, swimming, surfing
• Dates: year-round

Hawaii has a plethora of camping available on its islands, but one of the most scenic is in Haleakalā National Park at Kīpahulu Campground on Maui. The area is lush, filled with streams and waterfalls, and the views of the coast are unparalleled. The campground is slightly remote, although you can drive in, and it’s limited to three days. There are toilets and picnic tables, as well as a water-refilling station, but be prepared to be away from civilization during your stay and pack both sun and rain gear. Once situated, it’s the hiking trails that will draw you in, starting with the four-mile Pīpīwai Trail. It’s a side of Hawaii you definitely won’t find at an all-inclusive resort. Although the campground is out of the way, it is accessible to visitors with mobility concerns.

• Why We Recommend It: well-located, good for groups, scenic
• Amenities: RV hookups, picnic tables, water station, flush toilets
• Reservations: yes, six months ahead
• Attractions: hiking, rafting, biking, canyoneering
• Dates: year-round

Zion National Park is a bucket list spot for outdoorsy travelers, especially those looking to sleep out under the stars. For the perfect campsite, reserve a place at the Watchman Campground (Zion’s other favorite, South Campground, is currently being rehabilitated). There’s water available, as well as flush toilets, so you won’t have to totally rough it. Zion, located in Utah, has a wealth of things to do, from rock climbing to river rafting to hiking, so plan your stay for at least a few days. The park is open all year, so head in whenever you have a free long weekend. For supplies or a quick meal, stop by the nearby town of Springdale, situated just outside Zion Canyon. While the tent and electric campsites are available all year, the group campsites can only be booked from March through November.

• Why We Recommend It: unique, comfortable, beautiful views
• Amenities: outhouse toilets, running water, wood stoves, farm stand
• Reservations: yes
• Attractions: hiking and walking, kayaking, whale watching, swimming, scenic drives
• Dates: year-round

Along the Mendocino coast, a few hours north of San Francisco, travelers can find Oz Farm, a unique getaway with rustic accommodations like cabins, yurts and eco domes. Cabins come with woodfire stoves and outhouses, as well as access to a community kitchen and bathhouse, but the real draw is the peaceful walking paths and swimming holes located throughout the organic farm. It’s a great pick for groups or families, and the farm often hosts weddings. Be sure to bring rain gear and a sense of adventure, especially if you book into the two-story Tower Cabin.

• Why We Recommend It: luxurious, well-equipped, scenic
• Amenities: electricity, fire pits, flush toilets, showers, water stations
• Reservations: yes
• Attractions: hiking, scenic drives, biking, kayaking, surfing
• Dates: year-round

It’s OK if you’re not really a camper. But it’s worth dipping your toe in at Ventana Big Sur, a resort and glamping site with safari-style tents centered in a redwood forest. They’ve got the amenities of home (and more), but you’re secluded in the trees with access to hiking, yoga and all of Big Sur’s outdoor recreational activities. On the other side of the campground, guests can reserve one of more than sixty tent sites, all located along a stream. It’s a great place to toast s’mores around the campfire and also take a hot shower. Try to turn off your cell phone for the duration, even though you’ll likely have service and a spot to charge it.

• Why We Recommend It: remote, scenic, quiet
• Amenities: composting toilets, fire pit, food storage, firewood
• Reservations: no
• Attractions: hiking, boating, kayaking
• Dates: year-round

You’ll have to go on a short stroll to access Bartlett Cove Campground, a walk-in-only campsite in Glacier Bay, Alaska. It’s not far from the road, though, and the campground features amenities like outhouses, bear-proof food storage and a warming shelter. Be sure to snag a permit before you head in and prepare accordingly. The nearby town of Gustavus has everything you need to survive—and thrive—in the woods for a few days, but pack lightly since you’ll be hauling it all in on foot. Once there enjoy the amazing views and access to local hiking trails. Best of all: this campground is free.

• Why We Recommend It: well-located, comfortable, charming
• Amenities: flush toilets, water stations, picnic tables, paved roads
• Reservations: yes, on a six-month rolling basis
• Attractions: hiking, biking, mountain climbing
• Dates: early March through late October.

Devils Garden Campground may sound suspicious, but the campground, situated just outside Utah’s Arches National Park, is incredibly scenic and comfortable. Open year-round, the campground welcomes tent campers to 51 spots by online reservation (unless you can to chance it). There are picnic tables, grills, drinking water and flush toilets available, and visitors have amazing views of the otherworldly red rock formations that make Arches unique. There’s days’ worth of exploration to do in the park itself, whether it’s by foot, bike or horseback, and adventurous types will love canyoneering at Fiery Furnace or Lost Spring Canyon.

• Why We Recommend It: quirky, well-located, communal
• Amenities: fire pits, flush toilets, showers, onsite restaurant, live entertainment
• Reservations: yes
• Attractions: hiking, ATV trails, biking, boating, swimming
• Dates: year-round

Snuggle up in a covered wagon or a luxury tent at Conestoga Ranch, a glamping spot in Utah that welcomes families and couples, as well as bigger groups. The tents are ridiculously nice and include bathrooms with hot showers, but you should opt for a 19th-century-esque Conestoga wagon to get into the Western spirit. Those looking for something more basic can book one of the traditional tents, which are nicely designed but lack electricity and plumbing. The picturesque area invites guests to explore, whether it’s caving, hiking or boating at Bear Lake. There’s even a spa, something you might not usually find when camping.

• Why We Recommend It: scenic, comfortable, lots to do
• Amenities: flush toilets, showers, laundry, WiFi, picnic tables
• Reservations: yes
• Attractions: hiking, fishing, kayaking and canoeing, volleyball, biking
• Dates: early May through mid-October

Those who prefer to camp in an RV will love Muskegon County, Michigan’s White River Campground, which features over 200 campsites for RVs and tents, as well as rustic cabins. Enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, playgrounds, basketball court and biking trails, or head over to the beaches on the shore of nearby Lake Michigan. It’s an especially good pick for families, and it’s recommended to reserve a campsite in advance online or over the phone. Be sure to partake in water sports on the White River, too—the camp rents canoes, kayaks, rafts and tubes for your aquatic fun.

• Why We Recommend It: luxurious, comfortable, well-located
• Amenities: ensuite bathrooms, onsite dining, battery packs, fire pits with s’mores
• Reservations: yes
• Attractions: hiking, nature walks, yoga, live music
• Dates: early May through late September

Under Canvas operates several glamping locations throughout the U.S., but Under Canvas Mount Rushmore might be the best. Campers can book one of the luxury tents that have been built on an old gold mining settlement. Open between May and September, the camp offers safari Jeep tours, kayaking, hiking and access to an aerial adventure park, as well as an onsite restaurant, featuring seasonal, local ingredients, that’s available for three meals a day. Several South Dakota must-sees are nearby, too, including Badlands National Park, Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore itself. For something extra special, reserve a Stargazer tent, which has a viewing window located over the bed to enjoy the clear night sky.

• Why We Recommend It: scenic, remote, accessible
• Amenities: vault toilets, trash collection, picnic tables
• Reservations: yes, from six months in advance
• Attractions: rock climbing, hiking, scenic drives, biking, horseback riding
• Dates: year-round

Joshua Tree National Park is a quintessential camping experience, and Jumbo Rocks Campground, known for its literal massive rock formations, is one of the best and most popular spots to pitch a tent. Reservations are required during the busy season, which runs September through May, but the rest of the year it’s first come, first served. It welcomes tent and RV campers, although there is no running water or electricity hook-ups. Visitors can use the BBQs and picnic tables (and the outhouses), and the town of Twentynine Palms is a quick drive if you need anything. The best part is waking up in the campground, where the desert landscape looks particularly breathtaking at sunrise. Be prepared for no cell service, which is a pro for those wanting to disconnect.

• Why We Recommend It: well-located, scenic, lots to do
• Amenities: flush toilets, laundry, showers, water stations, camp store
• Reservations: yes, required
• Attractions: hiking, visitors centers, junior rangers program, biking
• Dates: mid-May through mid-October

Spend a few days on the edge of the Grand Canyon at Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim Campground in Arizona, which is open from May through October. There are 90 tent-only campsites, with picnic tables, cooking grills, toilets and showers, and the Grand Canyon Lodge and visitor center are less than a mile away. It’s a great home base for hiking, with several popular trails accessible from the campground, including the North Kaibab Trail and the Transept Trail. All sites are available by reservation only, so be sure to book your spot ahead of time online.

• Why We Recommend It: relaxing, varying levels of comfort, scenic
• Amenities: flush toilets, showers, onsite restaurant, picnic tables, electricity, RV hookups
• Reservations: yes
• Attractions: hiking, biking, scenic drives, swimming, birding
• Dates: year-round

Whether you prefer to arrive in an RV, pitch a tent or bunk up in a tent cabin, Fernwood Resort Campground in Big Sur will have what you’re looking for. Located alongside Big Sur River, nearby hiking trails and beaches, the rustic, woodsy resort has a restaurant, motel and two bathhouses to keep you comfortable. Rent an Adventure Tent if you want a bed and electricity, or opt to bring your own to one of the riverside campsites, most of which have water and electricity provided. It’s open year-round and winter can be a great time to visit Big Sur, especially if you want to avoid the crowds.

• Why We Recommend It: romantic, unique, well-located
• Amenities: chemical toilets, cold showers, water stations, picnic tables
• Reservations: yes, from six months ahead
• Attractions: hiking and walking, boating, surfing, fishing, wildlife viewing
• Dates: year-round

Pop up a tent alongside the wild horses on Assateague Island at one of the several campsites, which welcome tents, RVs and even horse camping. There are toilets, cold showers and drinking water available, but campers should bring along firewood and anything they need for potentially bad weather. It’s incredibly scenic, with camps on both the bay side of the island and overlooking the ocean. On the island, enjoy swimming, kayaking, surfing and fishing, or set out to view the famed wild horses, which live in two herds on the Maryland and Virginia sides of Assateague.

Note that reservations are required between March 15 and November 15, so be sure to book in advance.

• Why We Recommend It: unique, artsy, communal
• Amenities: outdoor kitchen, hot tubs, flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, grills
• Reservations: yes
• Attractions: hiking and biking, hot springs, art museums and exhibitions, mystery lights viewing
• Dates: year-round

Marfa, Texas, is an artsy destination so it’s not surprising to find its campgrounds equally as eclectic. El Cosmico is a quirky spot where you can rent trailers, yurts, safari tents and teepees, or opt to bring your own tent to self-camp. There are hot tubs, a bathhouse, bike rentals and a hammock grove, and you can cook dinner in the sharable outdoor kitchen. Aim for the spring or fall when the desert temperature is milder (winter can be really chilly at night). The town’s restaurants, bars and art galleries are nearby, so you’re not that far out into the wilderness. Check the El Cosmico website in advance of your visit for special events.

• Why We Recommend It: luxurious, well-located, comfortable
• Amenities: WiFi, private bathrooms, fire pit, electricity
• Reservations: yes
• Attractions: hiking, scenic drives, hunting and fishing, biking
• Dates: late May through September

Capitol Reef Resort, near Utah’s Capitol Reef National Park, isn’t exactly a campground. But the resort does offer cabins, teepees and Conestoga wagons as accommodations for guests who want to get closer to the night sky. The wagons, which are centered around a campfire and available from June through September, are bucket-list-worthy, recreating the experience of traveling through the Old West. They have bathrooms but no TVs (you’ll survive), and each sleeps up to six guests. At the resort, enjoy an outdoor pool, horse riding, hiking and llama adventures out into the wilds of the park.

• Why We Recommend It: family-friendly, communal, quiet
• Amenities: RV hookups, laundry, WiFi, fire pits, electricity
• Reservations: yes
• Attractions: rafting, hiking, biking, fishing
• Dates: late May through mid-October

Head into the Adirondacks, north of New York City, to discover Rancho Pines Campground, a woodsy camping site with direct access to the Schroon River. Grab a fishing pole and head to the nearby lakes, or traverse one of the many mountain hiking trails. While the campsite is nestled in nature, there are good amenities on offer, especially for families. Enjoy the game room or launch a tube or canoe right from the edge of camp. It’s remote enough that you will enjoy some quiet time, but still connected to the local community (and the Internet). In the area, there are tons of outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting, mountain biking, caving and zip-lining, so you definitely won’t get bored. Most sites are intended for RV camping, but cottage rentals are also available for less adventurous.

• Why We Recommend It: lots to do, family friendly, comfortable
• Amenities: camp store, laundry, WiFi, flush toilets, showers
• Reservations: yes
• Attractions: boating, fishing, biking, hiking, swimming, daily activities
• Dates: year-round

The shores of Grapevine Lake, in Grapevine, Texas, are home to The Vineyards Campground and Cabins, a camping spot that welcomes campers of all interests. Whether you’re looking to hook up an RV or bunk up in a cozy cabin, it’s all here, along with a Camp Store, docks and a swimming beach. There’s also kayaking, fishing and spots to play basketball and volleyball. It’s especially perfect for families (be sure to rent a golf cart to zip around the campground during your stay).

• Why We Recommend It: well-located, beach access, scenic
• Amenities: RV hookups, WiFi, laundry, flush toilets, showers, camp store
• Reservations: yes
• Attractions: swimming, boating, whale watching, kayaking, walking
• Dates: late April through late October

Nestled on the shore of Nantucket Sound, Sun Retreats is ideally positioned with its own private beach. It’s tailor-made for RV camping, which you can rent locally if you don’t have your own, but guests who prefer some creature comforts can also rent a beach cottage onsite. The campground operates like a resort, with plenty of activities, and there’s even a mini golf course. The best part is the location on Cape Cod—visitors can explore the Cape Cod National Seashore, take a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard or embark on a whale watching tour. While there are plenty of campgrounds through the Cape, this one wins with its premium access to the beach and comfortable amenities.